01:30, 30 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
How ironic is it that disposable vapes will be banned in the UK the day after World No Tobacco Day?
If you are unfamiliar with this awareness day, it is established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to crack down on the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco use, advocating for stronger policies to reduce tobacco consumption
As the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves towards its final stages in Parliament, new polling reveals overwhelming public support for a bold smokefree future – with voters urging the Government to take stronger and swifter action on tobacco control.
A YouGov survey, commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), reveals that two-thirds of the public (68%) back the Government's ambitious ‘Smokefree Generation’ policy. This proposal, a core component of the Bill, would prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009. Even among smokers, more than half (52%) support the move.
The findings are striking, with 65% of people wanting to live in a country where smoking is no longer the norm, and nearly half (45%) believing the Government is not doing enough to tackle smoking despite world-leading proposals already on the table.
In an exciting shift, the public's appetite for action is clear:
In a statement provided to Smiley News for Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, said: “The public is overwhelmingly behind a bold smokefree future – but they also want to see Big Tobacco held accountable. The industry rakes in £900 million in profits each year, and it’s time they contributed to fixing the harm they’ve caused.”
As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill comes into law the day after this article, further public support is evident in proposals for expanded smokefree spaces:
This public consensus extends to concerns about vaping, with 78% supporting measures to ban sweet flavours, cartoon characters, and bright packaging. The Government’s decision to ban disposable vapes by June 2025 is seen as a necessary step in curbing the rise in youth vaping.
The call for a smokefree Britain spans the political spectrum, with support from voters of all parties. With the legacy of the 2007 indoor smoking ban still fresh, the fight to eliminate smoking is gaining momentum. Smoking remains the UK’s leading cause of premature death and ill health, and these new measures are an important step towards creating a healthier, smokefree society for future generations.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). This is a leading charity in the UK that campaigns for better tobacco control policies, supports smoking cessation, and works towards a smokefree society. Find out more.
Asthma + Lung UK. Formed as a merger between Asthma UK and the British Lung, this organisation raises awareness about lung diseases, including the impacts of smoking, and campaigns for policies to reduce smoking-related illnesses. Learn more here.
Cancer Research UK. One of the most well-known charities in the UK, which carries out research to prevent cancer, educate the public, and campaign on issues like smoking and its link to cancer. Support them here.
